What is the definition of retail sales?

The definition of retail sales refers specifically to the process of selling products directly to end customers for profit. This is a fundamental component of the retail industry, where businesses provide goods to individual consumers rather than to other businesses or in bulk quantities. This model allows consumers to purchase items for personal use, typically at a markup compared to wholesale prices, thus generating profit for the retailer.

Retail sales encompass various forms of selling, including physical storefronts, online platforms, and various marketing strategies aimed at drawing in customers. This approach is vital for the economy, as it directly connects businesses with consumers, driving demand for products and services.

The other options describe different sales strategies or contexts. Selling products in bulk to retailers describes a wholesale model, which is the opposite of retail. Selling exclusively online refers to e-commerce, a subset of retail, but it's not a complete definition of retail sales as it excludes traditional brick-and-mortar sales. Lastly, selling products only through auctions represents a specific sales method that does not encompass the broader concept of retail sales. Therefore, the first choice encompasses the most comprehensive viewpoint on retail sales.